Cost of Living: Lowell, MA vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Lowell is 16% more expensive than South Fulton.

$1,603/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ≈ Same
$76,205/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↑ 7%
$395,100 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$270,600 ↓ 32%
$1,672/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↓ 8%
114,799
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,593/year higher in South Fulton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making South Fulton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Lowell or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, South Fulton is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and South Fulton?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or South Fulton?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $5,593/year higher in South Fulton.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Georgia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Lowell or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lowell details → View South Fulton details →

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